Alma 29:9

"I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it. I do not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me; yeah, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy."

Alma 29:9

Monday, February 29, 2016

This week was kind of a blur, but there are a few highlights that stick out. :)

We had a lesson with our investigator Luke. It has taken a while to
meet with him--things just kept falling through. It really was a
miracle that it worked out with him so we could teach him. We taught
him the restoration, and the Spirit was SO strong. There is something
so exhilarating about teaching someone the message of the restoration
that has never heard it before. During that lesson and at points
throughout the week, I realized (once again) my testimony is growing
and strengthening like nothing else. Especially of the restoration.
Every time I study it, teach it, testify of it--I KNOW it's true.
Without a shadow of a doubt. This is the TRUE church on the earth
today. The same church that Christ established while He was here--we
have it today, how amazing is that?! It is so amazing and wonderful
and I hope we never ever take it for granted.

Dylan has been struggling to read The Book of Mormon, so we had a
lesson focused on that. Again, every time I study, teach about, or
testify of The Book of Mormon, I know it's true. Without a doubt. We
showed him Elder Holland's testimony of The Book of Mormon, and he
really enjoyed that. He loves learning about church history; it's
awesome!! We are praying that he read The Book of Mormon daily and can
overcome his Word of Wisdom stumbling blocks in preparation for his
baptism.

On sort of a side note, something that is becoming more instinctual
for me as a missionary is asking inspired questions. I never
understood them before, but now I am making progress. During a lesson
with a less-active member, I felt prompted to ask her a question, when
Sister Schofield opened her mouth and asked her the same question that
had come to my mind. Comp unity right there--but even more than that,
it's being in tune with the Spirit. It is vital as a missionary and
it's amazing to see it in action.

Thank you so much for all the prayers for our investigators. If you
can continue to pray for them, I would greatly appreciate it.
Roger: have the desire and strength to work through Word of Wisdom
issues, also at he will get a new position at work
Dylan: read The Book of Mormon every day and gain a testimony of it,
and have the desire and strength to work through Word of Wisdom issues

An update on the sisters in the accident:

Sister Douglas has made progress, but her concussion was really
severe, so she has gone back to Utah to recover. Sister Faamaile is
doing much better, and has returned to missionary work. Sister Young
is making great progress! From President Johnson:
"She is sitting up, talking and feeding herself regular food . . . Importantly,
she has that glow about her that one always felt in her presence and that made
her a truly outstanding missionary. One of the trauma doctors told her
parents that they had not dealt with a case quite like hers and that
her progress has been 'miraculous'. There is still some concern about
infections and other issues that could derail some of the
improvements, but she is making great strides down her long road to
full recovery. Her parents have been by her side every minute and
have provided amazing support. Thank you for your prayers in their
behalf--I know they can feel them!!"

Missionary work is the greatest. I know this church is true, without a
doubt. I wouldn't be on a mission if it weren't. It keeps me going
every single day. What happened in the Sacred Grove forever changed
the history of the world, but it also forever changed my life. And it
can do the same for each and every one of us if we let it.

"Have faith, have hope, love like His Son. Help others on their way."

Let's go save the world (by telling them about the One who saved the world).

Hurrah for Israel!

Lots of love,
Sister Bartlett

Sometimes you drive 30 miles to contact
a referral at the edge of your area....and
she doesn't answer....but that's ok! Still
have so many reasons to smile :)

Monday, February 22, 2016

Hey Family!
So...the subject of this email (the first half). I was literally asked
this question this week during a lesson on the Restoration. We were
teaching Gail (an inactive member) about prophets (she was so
fascinated by the concept), and she asked, "Wait. So do animals have
prophets?" I never thought I would hear that question in my life!
Something you need to know about people in PA: they love their animals.
Like LOVE them! A level of love that I have a hard time comprehending.
We answered her question, though she asked it about 3 more times. After
we answered her question the same way each time, she then proceeded to ask,
"Will animals have their own kingdom in heaven?" To which we answered,
"We don't know--we'll have to study that for ya!" Oh goodness. Bless her heart.

An amazing miracle happened this week!! Last Monday when we saw Roger,
he told us about a stumbling block he stumbled upon. He had the
urge to smoke, and so he tried to. But he prayed and all of the sudden
he felt really sick--to the point he couldn't finish the cigarette. He
knows the power of prayer is real, especially after that experience.
He is doing really well--please keep praying that he will get the
other job so he can come to church!

The memorial service for Sister Wells was moved to Friday due to
bad weather. It was absolutely beautiful--I will never forget it. It
was a wonderful way to gather together, celebrate her life, and find
healing through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I cried more during
that meeting than I have in a long time, but I feel healed because of
it. Sister Schofield and I sang "Savior, Redeemer of my Soul", and it
was a beautifully powerful experience for us. When President spoke, he
told us that Elder Bednar spoke at her funeral in Utah. He quoted
Elder Bednar, as during his talk he asked the question, "Why do things
like this happen?" Then he continued, "I don't know why. But I know
that God knows. And because I know that God knows, that's all I need
to know." Wow. Talk about powerful. I will never forget that. A few of
the speakers talked about the Plan of Salvation, and one mentioned
what it would be like to receive that call about your daughter, not
having a knowledge about the Plan. How devastating that would be; I
can't even imagine. Knowing that she lives on, and is fulfilling her
call to serve on the other side brings all of us the greatest comfort.
We are so incredibly blessed to know about God's great Plan and to
have peace in this life because of it. The memorial gave me a renewed
strength yet again to press forward, to try a little harder, to be a
little better, to serve more whole-heartedly not only for the Savior,
but also for Sister Wells.

Her parents sound like the most Christ-like people. For instance, they
sent us each a pair of socks to remind us of her. (See picture) Here is
what it says on the card.

Sadie's Socks
Our daughter and sister Sadie loved being a missionary with all her
heart and loved serving with all of you in Pennsylvania. Sadie also
loved to wear bright and colorful socks. Just like each of you, she
would "pull on" her testimony of the gospel and love of the Savior
every day in "full and living color" as she "stepped out" to serve and
teach God's children. We wanted to send you our love and prayers with
a simple remembrance of Sadie as you carry on in your "call to serve".
We know that Sister Wells would want each of you to "press forward
with a steadfastness in Christ", having your "feet shod with the
preparation of the gospel", and planted firmly upon our shared
testimony "that He lives" as you invite all to "follow in His
footsteps".
Love, Lee, Pam, Bryton, Maisie and Olivia Wells

This week was slower because I was still recovering from being sick,
but I still saw so many tender mercies throughout the week. And they
came in all sorts of sizes and forms. A beautiful sunset. Banana bread
from someone in the Ward. A powerful Book of Mormon class. Thai food.
Powerful music that drew me to the Savior. Ward members reaching out
in love. I know that God is real. He is involved in the tiniest
details of our lives--those details that matter so much to us matter
so much to Him. He truly is the One in control.

The scripture I've been thinking about this week:

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace.
In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have
overcome the world." (John 16:33)

Though we all face trial and tribulation in life, I know without a
doubt that we can overcome all of it with the help of Jesus Christ. He
overcame all, so He can help us overcome all. Knowing this brings me
great comfort. I have seen the truth of it come to pass in my own life
and in the lives of people I know. It is amazing! The power of the
Atonement is ALWAYS there for us to draw upon, if we will but ask. It
is a real power that enables us to do beyond what we could ever do on
our own.

I felt that this week, as I was faced with a really difficult
situation. I knew I had to act on the promptings I had received, but I
was terrified. I seriously doubted I could do what He needed me to do.
I pled with my Father in Heaven to help me do what I couldn't do on my
own. I prayed for strength like I have never prayed for strength
before. And when it came time, He provided me with strength beyond my
own. I know that He heard my prayer, and He answered it. He loves me
so much, and wasn't about to leave me alone in my time of need. I felt
utterly weak, but He made me strong. I know that His power is so real,
and Heavenly help is available to each and every one of us when we
ask. I feel closer to my Father in Heaven and Savior because of this
than I have in a very long time. My faith grew immensely and I have a
newfound trust in them--faith and trust I have been striving to find.

This gospel is true--I know it with all my heart. My testimony of it
grows stronger each day as I study, teach, and testify, over and over
again. I don't know how I've made it this far in my life without all
of these faith-building experiences. I never want to stop being a
missionary. It is the best decision I have ever made and I will never
ever regret it. I pledge my life to Christ, to always serve and share and
testify of Him.

"Have faith, have hope, live like His Son. Help others on their way."

Make it an amazing week!! Remember who you are and that a sister
missionary in Pennsylvania LOVES you!! ❤️

Monday, February 15, 2016

Tuesday evening, we were informed by our zone leaders to get wifi so we could read an important email from President. Since we have to walk across the street to receive wifi from the library, we walked outside and a sister from the ward was sitting in her car outside our front door. She got out, and gave us a plate of cookies and said, "Sisters, I'm so sorry about what happened..." Immediately we started panicking; we hadn't read President's email yet. She sensed we didn't know, and we told her we needed to get wifi across the street to read an important email. She walked with us over there, and stood there as we read these words from President and cried:

"I am deeply saddened to let you know that this afternoon in Mecanicsburg, PA there was a tragic auto accident involving four of our sister missionaries. One of our very best missionaries, Sister Sadie Wells, lost her life in the accident. . . . "As representatives of Jesus Christ we know that Sister Wells was 'transferred' to an even better place. But that does not eliminate the pain and suffering of losing one we loved. . . . "In times of trial and tragedy like this, we take great comfort in knowing Christ's atonement will get us through this, like it does every other heartbreak. Let us unite in rejoicing for Sister Wells' remarkable life and service. Let us trust in the Lord's plan for this beloved Sister."

I was in utter shock. I just sobbed. Sister Gunnerson was there to comfort us, and I am so grateful for Heaven's timing in placing her in our path just when we needed comfort from someone other than each other. The rest of that night and the days following were difficult. We still feel like we are in this strange limbo...to be expected, though.

I didn't know her personally, but my heart aches for her family. Just like that, she is gone. It dumbfounded me to think her mission and her life could end so soon like that. But it's all in Heaven's timing. No matter how hard it is to trust in that, I am doing my best. Our call letters even state that our assignments may be modified...apparently Sister Wells' assignment was to return Home. She fulfilled her baptismal covenant "to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death" (Mosiah 18:9). In the most literal way, she was a witness of Him until her very last breath.

I've thought about timing a lot this week. That His timing, Heaven's timing, is perfect. It may not always be perfect to our mortal and imperfect eyes, but it's perfect. And for reasons we do not yet know, Sister Wells had completed all her Father asked of her, and now is all the way Home. How blessed we are to have our knowledge of the Plan of Salvation. This gives me hope. We will all see Sister Wells again. And what a joyous reunion that will be. Something tells me that in the meantime, she will be working right alongside us, helping to further the work of salvation here in the Pennsylvania Pittsburgh Mission. This knowledge brings hope and healing to my otherwise broken heart.

We are having a memorial service in her behalf tomorrow in State College with other missionaries from our zone and other nearby zones. Our prayers are continually with the Wells family, and the families of the other three sisters. Two of the sisters (Sisters Douglas and Faamaile) will be okay (they have much recovering ahead of them due to serious concussions and other injuries), but Sister Young is still in critical condition in the hospital. Please, please pray for them.

I don't really feel like I can say much more beyond what I've told you, but I will update you on Roger and Dylan.

Roger: still smoke free, and staying strong. We are praying that he will receive another position at work that would give him every Sunday off, so he can come to church. Will you pray for that too? Thanks bunches!!

Dylan: we taught him the Word of Wisdom...while sitting inside of Dunkin' Donuts. Ironic? I think yes. But the lesson consisted of following the prophet, obedience, and the W.O.W. We asked him if he would live it, and he said he would try! I'll take it!! We've been following up with him each day, and he's doing great "keeping up the words of wisdoms" (from one of his texts 😂). Please pray that he will stay strong and keep pressing forward!

Oh! We are also teaching a little boy named Brenton who is getting baptized in March as well! Woot woot!! Along with Brenton, I am still super excited for these two to follow their Savior into the waters of baptism.

We visited Sister Côte last night. She faced her second round of chemo last week and is still going strong. She shaved all of her hair off, so now she wears hats or wigs, goes without. It was hard to see her like at, but at the same time, I could see a part of myself in her. We sang "Beautiful for Me" for her and she loved it! She truly is so beautiful inside and out--despite the lack of hair. Her inner beauty shines far brighter and is greater than anything else. She continues to inspire me.

In honor of Sister Wells, I will end my email like she did all of hers: "Have faith, have hope, live like His Son, help others on their way."

PS: you's should go eat at Pizza Pie this week (from the 15th through the 18th)!!! 25% of proceeds are going towards the families of the sisters in the accident. Tell them your want to eat for the Pittsburgh sisters. Spread the word, too!! LOVE YOU'S LOTS!!!!

Monday, February 8, 2016

This week was truly a spiritual tsunami. At least it felt like it.
Miracles, tender mercies, an abundance of the Spirit--I wish I could
tell you everything. Anyway, it was an amazing week--let me tell you's
a little bit 'bout it.

So, Dylan. Man, he's awesome! He is doing so well and just eager to
learn more. IT'S THE COOLEST THING. We asked him if he'd been praying,
and he said, "Yeah, I have. A lot. And I believe all of it." Best
thing I heard that day. We taught him the gospel of Jesus Christ, and
the Spirit was definitely there. When he prayed to close the lesson,
it was different. He prayed more sincerely than he had before--it was
fantastic. He also came to church yesterday and stayed for all three
hours!! So so wonderful. Please keep him in your prayers!! He needs to
have experiences that will deepen his conversion and draw him closer
to the Savior. He will get there, though. I know he will.

Speaking of amazing investigators, Roger is now 8 days smoke free. I
am super duper proud of him!!!! He is doing so well. We had a brief
lesson with him on Saturday, and the Spirit was there. He is just so
eager to be baptized!! I am so excited for him to finally take this
step--he's heard these lessons before...but this has been a long time
coming. His wife Teresa isn't interested in it anymore (sad, because
we had a baptismal date for her), but Roger's progression just keeps
going and going. To see his excitement is so invigorating. It pushes
me to try harder and do better. Please pray for him too!! He needs
extra strength right now. Also his son Rogie--he quit smoking at the
same time and needs prayers as well.

We saw Tim again, and gave him the "drop talk", or basically told him
that we can't do much more for him if he isn't willing to commit to
anything. It has been so hard to teach him with love, but we did that
night. And it felt amazing. I felt the Spirit stronger than I have in
a while as we taught him. We were bold with him, but not overbearing,
and in so doing, we left the ball in his court. We invited him to
church, he said he'd call us, and he never did. Bummer. We ended up
"dropping" him at least for the time being. But. It takes faith to
drop someone. It's a harsh term, but it's just not his time yet.

Wednesday to Thursday was our "backwards blitz" with the STL's and
drove up to Lock Haven to stay there for 24 hours. My companion for
the day was Sister Durfee, and we saw this lady named Franchetta
during our time together. We showed her the "Mountains to Climb"
Mormon message, and after feeling inspired to ask her about her belief
in Jesus Christ, I was able to testify to her of Him. My heart was
bursting at the seams with the Spirit. Truly beautiful. I loved being
around our Sister Training Leader's--they are wonderful missionaries
and Sister Schofield and I learned a lot from them.

We also saw Sister Côte. We shared a message with her, and the Spirit
completely washed over me as we testified to her. I have such a soft
spot for her in my heart--she just cut her hair really short to make
it easier as she goes through chemo. It brought back so many memories
of having that short of hair this exact time just two years ago. My
heart goes out to her. I truly feel like one of the main reasons if
not the reason I am here in Sunbury is for Sister Côte. I feel a
connection to her like I've never felt with anyone else. I love her
dearly. Please pray for her as well--she needs it.

On Saturday, the Lewisburg Elders had a baptism for their
investigators Ryan and Rose. They asked us to sing a musical number,
so we sang "Baptism" from the children's songbook. It brought the
Spirit, and they absolutely loved it. Oh my goodness, seeing them
baptized was the most amazing experience. To see them change their
lives for the Savior to follow Him is just so inspiring. They were and
are so golden--it was the most beautiful and spiritual experience
being with them on Saturday to share their special day.

This mission of mine is truly priceless and ever so precious to me. I
wouldn't trade anything the world had to offer for it. The people I am
meeting, the experiences I am having, and the Spirit I feel on a
regular basis are all incredible--there is absolutely nothing like it
anywhere. I would never be able to have these experiences at any other
point in my life. I am meant to be here at this time in Pennsylvania,
and it is earning a very special place in my heart.

Monday, February 1, 2016

As the title of this email suggests, this week was filled with music and miracles. :-)

The hymn we chose to learn/memorize/sing this week is "Now Let Us Rejoice". Sister Schofield played it on the guitar and we both sang. We sang it for each family we ate dinner with, and it brought the Spirit every time. Plus, the members LOVED it! Memorizing the lyrics was such a powerful experience too, because of the beautiful message of the song. I love the last chorus: "Then all that was promised the Saints will be given. And they will be crowned with there angels of heaven. The earth will appear as the Garden of Eden, and Christ and His people will ever be one." That is one of the most beautiful images. I so look forward to that day.

We had another wonderful lesson with the Roger and his kids on Monday, and officially taught them the word of wisdom. The member we brought with us shared an amazing personal experience that we could not have provided--super grateful. Members of the family opened up, and it was just a great lesson. They are working on quitting smoking (They need extra prayers!!) and are really progressing. We're so excited for them!! Miracle.

On Tuesday, we met with Dylan again, this time in a member's home. We taught him the Plan of Salvation, and though it was a little rough, it made sense to him. Also, the member saved us by bearing her testimony--super grateful. ALWAYS BRING A MEMBER. Ha ha. The things you learn on a mission. Also, we extended a baptismal date to him--March 26th. HE SAID YES WITHOUT HESITATION. We asked him if he would come to church, and he again said yes without hesitation. SO COOL. And he actually came yesterday!! Miracles.

This week, President and Sister Johnson came to our district meeting. It was so good to see them!! Oh, I love them so much. My interview with President was exactly what I needed. He is one of the most amazing people I've ever met. I feel like he was hand-picked just for me. Him and his wife--they will forever hold a special place in my heart. For district meeting, Sister Schofield and I sang "Now Let Us Rejoice" as the opening song. It is one of President's favorite hymns, and he loved it so much. During my interview, about the musical number, he said: "You and Sister Schofield are like two little angels. And when you were singing, it sounded angelic." So so sweet!! President told me so many other things I needed to hear. For instance, "I know that you being here is a miracle. I can't tell you how grateful I am for that miracle." "I know that your not only here to bless lives--you're doing that. You're also here to change yours." Also, he stressed to me that all the feelings of inadequacy I am feeling so NOT come from my loving Father in Heaven. They are from Satan. I can't listen or let him win. I have to shut him down, and shut him out. It's a work in progress every single day, but the Lord is obviously helping me out. He also reminded me that the Lord called ME. He needs me here, and I am doing great things, even when I don't see it that way. Just so grateful for President. He knew exactly what I needed and when. I love him dearly. Music. Miracles. Feeling blessed.

On Saturday, we visited a less-active named Sister Guffey. We felt strongly that we needed to share a message with her about self worth. So we sang "Beautiful for Me" by Nichole Nordeman. We shared Doctrine and Covenants 18:10 with her: "Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God." As we sang, the Spirit filled me from head to toe. It was the most beautiful thing. The prayer she prayed before we left was so sweet and tender, and it filled my heart with joy and more of the Spirit. Tender mercies.

I am so grateful for these incredible experiences I am having with music on my mission. I will forever remember and be grateful for them!!

We got a referral for this lady in Danville, so we called her. We called her, and she said she is gone all day every day, but that we could drop off the Bible she requested. We decided to drive out there the other morning, AND SHE WAS HOME. We were able to give her a copy of the Bible and the Book of Mormon and testify of both. Another miracle.

Also......I sort of have a goose egg on my forehead....I hit my head on the corner of the car door as I was opening it. It has only swelled a little bit--and Sister Johnson is aware, so all is well. It's not super noticeable, which I'm grateful for. Just thought I'd let you know. Don't worry about me though--I'll be just fine. :-) It was a miracle the swelling isn't worse than it is.

Craziest thing. I had a thought this week. It happened during studies, and I realized that at some point after my mission, I really want to live outside of Utah (at least for a time) so I can have more of an opportunity to go out with the missionaries. To teach, to testify, and to invite others to come unto Christ. I just think that would be the best thing ever. There is nothing like missionary work. And feeling this way is just a testament to me that my heart is changing, and my missionary tag is becoming engraved on my heart. I couldn't be happier. Again, miracles.

Ponderize scripture (still need to memorize it a little more):

"And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up."

I KNOW IT IS TRUE. I have already seen it time and time again in my life, as well as thus far on my mission. Miracles happen because the Savior and His angels are always there.

"Do not ignore the seemingly small things in life. God doesn't." Miracles and tender mercies come in all shapes and sizes--don't discount the small ones--sometimes they count the most.

Thank you so much for reading all of this--I appreciate it. You rock!!